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SOURCE Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company Sponsors 2001 Ford Freedom Awards Langston Hughes to Receive Ford Freedom Award, Sonia Sanchez Named Ford Freedom Award Scholar DETROIT, Feb 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) are pleased to announce that the late Langston Hughes -- one of the most prolific African American writers of all time -- will be recognized as the 2001 Ford Freedom Award winner over a three-day celebration scheduled for February 21 - 23, 2001, during Black History Month. Sonia Sanchez, poet and activist, has been named as the Ford Freedom Award Scholar in honor of Langston Hughes and will be in Detroit to play an active role in the three-day celebration. "Langston Hughes continues to influence and inspire generations of writers and poets. His words lift from the page with passion and vigor that ultimately soothe because he understood how to give sublime voice to all that we are as African Americans," said Christy Coleman president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. "Sonia Sanchez shared with the world the struggles and triumphs of being a black woman. We grow with her as she explores with gripping honesty just how difficult, and ultimately liberating, it can be to truly be yourself. It is therefore fitting that she is the first woman to be honored as a Ford Freedom Scholar.“ Regarded by many as one of the most important and influential African American writer, Hughes was selected to receive the Ford Freedom Award because of his important contributions to African American literature and the world at large. Hughes embraced his African American roots with such passion and loyalty, ensuring the longevity of his copious body of work. He was the second African American to earn his living as a belletristic writer, a credential that illuminates a popular and critically acclaimed life-long career in writing in every genre. As the Ford Freedom Award Scholar, Sonia Sanchez will bring the legacy of Langston Hughes to life. As a poet and activist, Sanchez has been a poignant voice for African American women for several generations with her passionate poems Ford Motor Company Sponsors 2001 Ford Freedom Awards and works of prose that touch on social issues of modern and past times. She has also mastered the skill of presenting her poetry in a manner that always sustains the rapt attention of her audiences. "The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a fundamental educational resource for one and all," said Sandy Ulsh, vice president and executive director, Ford Motor Company Fund. "Partnering with the Museum for the Ford Freedom Awards and many other projects, affords us the opportunity to continue strengthening positive relationships in the community." The Ford Freedom Award program was launched in February 1999 to recognize, posthumously, distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to improving the African American community and world at large. Former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young was honored as the first recipient of the Ford Freedom Award in February 1999 for his lifetime achievement in politics, civil rights and human rights. The Ford Freedom Award Scholar, selected from the same discipline as the recipient, was former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young. In 2000, Sammy Davis Jr. was honored as the second recipient of the Ford Freedom Award, with Gregory Hines -- actor, dancer, choreographer -- as the Ford Freedom Award Scholar. The Ford Freedom Award celebration will take place over three days. A poetry reading featuring Sonia Sanchez is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, 2001, to kick-off the event. The press conference and gala dinner honoring Hughes will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2001. The Ford Freedom Scholars Lecture will be held on Friday, February 23, 2001. Sonia Sanchez will share her views and comments regarding the impact of Hughes career on African Americans, the literary community, and the world at large. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is the worlds largest institution dedicated to the preservation of African American history and culture. "This years Ford Freedom Award and Scholar honor individuals who have influenced and excelled in the area of Arts and Humanities. Langston Hughes and Sonia Sanchez have moved the world with their words," said Christy Coleman president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The Ford Freedom Award program is made possible by Ford Motor Company. For information on the Ford Freedom Award program, contact Patricia Jaynes at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History at 313-494-5853 or Gwynne Irvin, Ford Motor Company at 313-323-0646.

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African World Festival2000AWF is known,internationally,as one of thecountry’s largestoutdoor, cultural,“edutainment”celebrations.• Served as chair of the Logistics Committee.• Developed event’s first fraud-proof credentialing system for all staff, volunteers, vendors and contractors.